Healthy Living Blog

Heat Illness

Heat illness is a major threat to those of us who are spending much of our time outdoors. Heat illness can occur when your body cannot produce enough sweat to lower your body temperature. This can happen when you are exercising or working for too long in the heat and are not drinking enough water to keep your body hydrated. Thousands of workers experience a form of heat illness every year. Many of these could have been prevented by seeking shade and drinking water regularly.

Some forms of heat illness include:

Heatstroke

Heat Exhaustion

Heat Cramps

Heat Rash

Young children and adults over the age of 65 are more susceptible to heat stroke. Consequently, heat stroke can cause severe damage to the brain and internal organs. By spending time in the direct sunlight you increase the heat index by approximately 15 degrees. Once your body temperature rises above 105 degrees the risk for heat stroke is high. If someone is showing signs of heat stroke call 911 and attempt to lower their body temperature in any way.